Do you think the reforms being implemented in Cuba will change the country for the better?

30th October 2013
Tess Bennett

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The world is closely watching Cuba as it gradually opens its doors, with serious attempts to modernise its struggling economy, which never recovered after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Argentina Independent hit the streets to find out what Argentines have to say abour the island’s future.

Juan Rodríguez Salto, 29, engineer, Palermo

I think it will improve the situation because they still lack a lot. I think this path is inevitable, it will take time, but it’s inevitable because the problems they have they’ve had for a long time. The problem of capitalism, of communism is over, they are struggles from the past, it has nothing to do with reality today. If Cuba opens to the world the people will benefit because they lack a lot. I don’t think Cuba will be a democracy tomorrow, but I believe it will, little by little.

Natalia Baleato, 28, film student, Caballito

Opening the doors will give people the possibility of a normal life. It is a cruelty that Cubans can’t leave their country, don’t have elections or internet access, while tourists come to the country. I was lucky enough to visit Cuba and the all-inclusive holiday was not the reality of Cubans. The people have high levels of education but work in tourism for the tips. There is a dictator in power, in their time they liberated Cuba but now they have transformed themselves, they are doing the same thing, subjugating a society who are not free.

Nicolás Alem, 33, industrial designer, Palermo

I think it will help if it gives more liberty to individuals and also unifies the opportunities for everyone, because always in closed regimes exists the privileged and people who are excluded. This is a way to put the majority of people under the same conditions. I think the changes are necessary. The rules should be the same for everyone, to me this seems like a good way.

Carmelo Diantonio, 47, unemployed, Palermo

I think they will [change Cuba for the better]. They have realised that their system has failed with Russia and the Cold War. If they remain closed and don’t open they are dead. Of course this is good, they must accompany the rest of the region and open. They are very protective of their traditions and are scared that opening the door will destroy that.

In Cuba there are two currencies, here there is as well: the official peso that is worth almost half as much as the other- Argentina is not Cuba but this has to change.

Martina Pellegrino, 25, secretary, Caballito

I think if it is for everyone it is good because it opens up possibilities for people. I also feel everyone needs to be in agreement and it is not only the decisions of Raul Castro. The society is very basic, very short-sighted, there’s no growth. This could be a positive for Cuba to strive to improve.

Edith Macios, 60, university teacher, Palermo

I think the changes are positive and necessary, they will be very important for Cuba. It needs to be integrated into the rest of world. The island is very closed and this will provide opportunities to improve their economy. I think to be open, an important factor is tourism and for people to be allowed to travel freely to Cuba.